The fears of hi-tech took many forms, some of which prove founded and came true.

For example, there probably are fewer expensive acoustic pianos sold and used as cheaper electronic pianos (below) gain more of a foothold – even among professional musicians and concert pianists.

And of course there was the on-line shopping that drove many local records stores, and even national chains such as Tower, to close.

And digital downloading has caused some of the larger labels to cut back in artists and releases even as smaller niche-like labels have come to the fore with music that the big labels overlooked.

But as times goes by, technology increasingly seems to benefit classical music. In fact, says one commentator, classical music’s turn to technology was one of the biggest and most noteworthy trends in 2011 that helped classical music find newer and bigger audiences.

Even as local media have cut back on arts coverage, for example, blogs such as this one have brought classical music fans new sources of information.

And musicians like pianist and conductor Jeffry Kahane use iPads as the score they play from while composers used special programs to practice their art.